Starting in the cold!

[i2kdave]

It was about 40° outside this morning and my bike just wouldn't start. I kept cranking it until I ran the battery down and it never fired up. I had the choke fully closed. It was 36° yesterday and it took a while to get it started, but it did finally start. Anyone have any advice?

[mr. softie]

You may be flooding it.

First if you have a charger charge your battery fully. Move enrichment lever to full on. (At 40 degrees and colder). If it doesn't start on the first 6-8 revs move the cold start enrichment lever ("choke") towards the off position about halfway. Try again 6 revs or so. If you believe it is flooded wait 5 min or so before you try again or crank with cold start off and throttle open to clear cylinder. Waiting works best.

You may also want to remove your tank when you get a chance and spray "Gunk Wire Dryer" or equivalent on all the wires, coil, spark plug lead etc. as well as any other wires you want to protect from moisture. Seems to help cold weather starting.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by mr. softie

You may be flooding it.

:plus1:

Or just using too much choke.
On a "normal" cool summer morning (~60F), I need about 1/4 choke for a quick start. On a "cold" spring or fall morning (~ 40F), I need about 1/2 choke. After it starts, mine won't even RUN with more than 1/2.

[i2kdave]

Guess I'll try using less choke next time! :2tup:
I tried charging the battery and the "check battery" light on the charger was on the whole time, but after letting it sit for a while, it fired right up.
So maybe I need a battery, who knows.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by i2kdave

I tried charging the battery and the "check battery" light on the charger was on the whole time, but after letting it sit for a while, it fired right up.
So maybe I need a battery, who knows.

If the battery is more that 3 years old, then probably yes.

To fully charge the battery, it needs to be connected to the charger for at least 4 hours. If the charger is 4 amps or less.....then overnight.

[Badbob]

You might want to get your battery tested. Usually for free at battery stores.

For my GZ250, if the idle speed is a bit low its more difficult to start. They are not all the same.

[i2kdave]

Well, I put the choke on halfway this morning and she fired up literally as soon as I pressed the ignition. Thanks for the advice!

You might want to get your battery tested. Usually for free at battery stores.

I just might do that, or I might just go ahead and buy one. I have no idea if this one has ever been replaced.

[mr. softie]

Well, I put the choke on halfway this morning and she fired up literally as soon as I pressed the ignition.

Good news! :2tup:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by i2kdave

Well, I put the choke on halfway this morning and she fired up literally as soon as I pressed the ignition. Thanks for the advice!

You never really know what is "enough" until you know what is too much !! :biggrin:
Glad we could help!